Increasing Vulnerabilities and Implications on Humanitarian Response

Context

Great Eastern Japan Earthquake Floods in Thailand With a global loss of USD 380 billion, the year 2011 has been the costliest ever in terms of natural disasters Total damage and losses amounted to THB 1.43 trillion (USD 46.5 Billion) Estimated costs of USD 235 bilion (World Bank) 2011

Flash Floods in India 2013 Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013 Natural disasters become more and more unpredictable and severe 2013

India; 2013 The Himalayan Tsunami ( Flash Floods of unprecedented nature) Probably the hardest rescue operations India have ever taken

Typhoon Haiyan 2013 : The Tale of Two Disasters Cyclone Phailin

Typhoon Haiyan

Every major disaster tells only one story:

…more people in the region are getting exposed to hazards… Human exposure to tropical cyclone is increasing for most sub-regions

Many urban locations are in high risk areas… Of the 305 urban agglomerations, 119 are situated along coastlines

…and losses are bigger in high & upper-middle income countries. Development was unable to reduce risks, and may drive its growth

Who pays for disaster losses? Often in developing countries the poorest pay the most when disasters strike.

The Wake Up Call Most Disasters that could occur have not happen yet

Implications on Humanatariam Response

More Humanitarian Aid

Humanitarian actors under strain

Capacity gaps and coordination challenges

Identifying and integrating innovations in Humanitarian response Communication with affected populations Information management Evidence-based decision making Needs and impact assessment Risk reduction and preparedness